David Adedeji Adeleke, alias Davido, is a famous contemporary artist of African American descendent. He is one of the top influential artists in Africa, living a lavish lifestyle. Davido has made great features with prominent musicians in the US, and for that, many admire him. He is sure a living legend in the music industry.
Early Life of Davido
David Adedeji was born on November 21st, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, to both Adedeji Adeleke and Vero Adeleke. His father was a businessman, while his mother a university lecturer. Out of his five siblings, he is the last born. David developed an interest in music in his late teens. However, he fully ventured into music when he came of age. The first time he came home with musical equipment and started making beats was when he was still at Oakwood University. When he decided to dedicate his time to music, he moved to London. While in London, he worked on his vocals.
In 2011, he returned to Nigeria. Nonetheless, this time he re-enrolled at Babcock University in Ogun state, where he studied until 2015 and graduated with a degree in music. Graduating with a degree in music was only possible after his father paid the University to start a music department for one student.
Davido’s Educational Background
Davido first attended British International School. Then he went to Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, and then Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama, to study Business administration. However, his journey with books was short-lived as it is in Oakwood that his music career began, after that rising to stardom.
Davido’s Musical Career
While at Oakwood, Davido could access musical equipment that he would use to create beats and record vocals. His dropping out of school to pursue music was not great news for his family, more so for his father. He had hoped that Davido would join in the family business after completion of school. Davido only went back to school after a mutual agreement with his father.
Davido’s very first album was the Omo Baba Olowo, which he released in 2011. The album comprises a mixture of hip hop and Afrobeats. He worked with producers like Jay Sleek, Maleek Berry, Spellz, Dokta Frabz to produce the album. However, the album received negative comments from critics who made fun of Davido’s songwriting skills. Despite the hate, the album won the best R&B/ Poo album. It also received a nomination for the best album of the year.
In January 2012, Davido released the video of his song Dami Duro. The latter was one of the second singles in his album Omo Baba Olowo. In this song, he featured Shizzi. Many were amazed by the video, for as soon as they released it, it became the town’s talk. Between 2013 and 15, David also released a hit single, which enhanced his popularity.
In 2016 around January, Davido signed a record deal with Sony Music. And a few months later, he founded the record label Davido Music Worldwide. As of now, his record label has been signed in Mayorkun, Yonda, Peruzzi, etc. In October 2016, Davido signed another record deal with Sony’s RCA. In October 2016, he released the 5-track EP Son of Mercy, which the singles “Gbagbe Oshi,” “How Long,” and “Coolest Kid In Africa” supported. In 2017, around April, Davido renegotiated his contract with Sony because of creative control issues. Later that same year, he released five singles. Since he began working with Sony, he has released a variety of songs. In 2019, the African Magazine cited him as one of the topmost influential African artists. He released his latest album last year on November 13th.
His Personal Life
Davido, who is 28 years of age, is a father of three, all of whom he conceived out of wedlock. However, the news is going around to be engaged to one of his baby mamas, precisely his third child’s mother.
Endorsements
Being a star opened great opportunities for Davido. In April 2012, he signed a 30 million endorsement deal with MTN Pulse. The latter is a marketing campaign which is aimed at Nigerian youths. In 2013, Guinness Nigeria also signed in Davido for another sale. He performed alongside artists like P-Square, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Olaminde, and Tiwa Savage at the Guinness World of More Concert.
Also, in 2018 around May, Davido landed a deal with Infinix Mobile. The latter is a smartphone manufacturer based in Hong Kong. And with Davido’s widespread popularity, more deals are to come his way.
Philanthropic Work
Often most celebrities tend to give back to their communities. And Davido is no exception. He has participated in numerous philanthropic works, more so in Africa. From giving out to nurturing upcoming talents. Because of his kind and loving heart, he has helped raise some Nigerian artists. Kiddominant, Peruzzi MC Galaxy, Humblesmith, Mayorkun, and his fiancee Chioma are but those he has helped bring to the limelight. Because of his widespread charitable works worldwide, he is getting recognition. Last year CNN celebrated him for his philanthropy.
Since the emergence of covid, Davido has been taking part in the coronavirus safety regulations. He sang his latest song D$G in support of coronavirus research. He stated that they would donate all the proceeds from the music to Fashion house Dolce$Gabbana to provide funds for the study to curb coronavirus. He made this announcement during an interview with entertainment reporter Chloe Melas. His idea to donate sparked mixed reactions from his country and the world at large. Many commented they were proud of him.
The music star also looks out for children who cannot afford to pay for their school fees. Several times he has donated to such children. Although he might be controversial sometimes, Davido has a heart of gold.
His Notable Achievements
Davido has worked his way up the ladder, overcoming hurdles and facing his fears. He is only 28 years old, though he massed himself fortunes his agemates can only dream.
Davido is a multiple award winner. Numerous awards with his name, and considering how hard he works, it’s no surprise. He has received two BET awards, a Channel O Music Video Award, a Kora Award, 2 MTV Africa Music Awards, a Ghana Music Award, 7 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, etc.
In 2017 around November, Davido won the Best African Act at the MOBO Awards. And he also became the first African to perform live at the awards. He had defeated gurus like Tecno, Mr. Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Wande Coal, who also got nominations in the same category. In 2018, Davido was the first African artist to receive a BET award.
Among many Nigerian artists, Davido has sold out most global concerts, i.e., internationally and locally. He has held many shows overseas and received overwhelming support.
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Attempted Assassination
Since the music industry is big and the competition is rapid, stars who have made it like Davido are bound to have enemies. More so, as many controversies have arisen regarding his success. Kemi Olunloyo, Nigeria’s detective journalist, alleged that Someone wanted to assassinate the singer. She warned Davido to secure himself immunity.
Her recent allegations come after an incident that transpired at a Twist Nightclub in Accra, Ghana. According to Mrs. Olunloyo, the person who knows the people trying to kill Davido is no longer alive. It happens he died before spilling the beans. Kemi reminded David that his safety was paramount, mostly as he was a father and a role model to his community. This is what she wrote:
“Someone is trying to kill Davido. The only person who can tell us what happened at Twist is already dead.”
Controversies Surrounding the Life of Davido
The baby mama drama is one of the most trended of all Davido controversy. It was in 2016 when the music sensation got into big drama with his baby mama Sophia. The confrontation was nasty as the two were quarreling over the custody issue. Davido alleged that Sophia was into drugs and at the same time breastfeeding their baby.
The Family feud is another controversy that sparked mixed reactions from people. This time Davido had clashed with his cousin B-Red. It was when Davido was celebrating Mayorkun, whom he had signed to his record label. His cousin was not happy about that. Therefore, Davido went on his tweeter page and wrote,
“My blood is hating on me over Mayorkhun’s success. Wow! I have done so much for you, and still no blow!”
Police drama is also among the controversies. On August 1st, 2017, a video in which men alleged to be officers shooting made rounds. These officers were shooting in the air at a moving vehicle. Later it was out that the car owner was Davido, and the officers shooting were attached to him. This unearthed after Davido posted a video of his police escorts shooting in the air.
The incident was quite messy, especially as it transpired in Nigeria’s capital city. The head of the Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit, Abayomi Shogunle, released an arrest warrant for the officers. Another incident was when photos of him and a call girl surfaced online. This, of course, perplexed his fans. Later it became known that the girl was the one who leaked the photos after their romantic escapades.
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